grad student moving to philly (Darby, Millbourne: real estate, crime, safe area)

[mbah]

I have been browsing this forum for a bit and thought it was time to ask a question of my own. I am planning on moving to philly in the fall. I've read about so very different viewpoints on the city (ranging from love to hate)-- I've also noticed that people have very different views on how safe/enjoyable/livable the city is. I am more interested in info from those that actually live in the city, rather than suburban vistors. I am probably going to end up living in Center City/Graduate Hospital area. I know those are considered to be generally safe. I am moving from Los Angeles, so I know that living in a city means, or at least I am aware that there is never a 100% safe area and that one must always be aware of ones surroundings. I was just hoping some of you native philadelphians (is that even a word), wouldn't mind passing along advice about the city.

Is the crime/downtroddeness overblown-- there were definitely two different thoughts on this in other posts?

[newmarlig]

To answer your question about crime. Yes, it is greatly overblown. You will be safe (using common sense, of course) in center city. It will be a different kind of living for you. This is a walkable city for example. Where will you be going to school?

[mbah]

u penn. i was choosing between that an a school in downtown chicago. recent comments from friends about philly have made me think twice about my decision.

[newmarlig]

Originally Posted by mbah

u penn. i was choosing between that an a school in downtown chicago. recent comments from friends about philly have made me think twice about my decision.

I don't know what your friends told you, but as I said previously, you will be safe in center city, or center city west (or University city for that matter). The murder rate has gone up, but they are occurring in bad neighborhoods and take place among people who know one another. Not only that, we will soon have a new mayor, who will be a big improvement over the current one. Penn, as you know, is a great school. It would be a shame not to go there, because of unfounded fears.

[mbah]

well some of the comments were from friends who had gone to school in philly (albeit at 'nova outside the center) others who grew up in jeresy close by. they mainly pointed out that they felt even in the nicer areas (center city, rittenhouse, old city) crime was not under control-- in comparsion to other major cities that is. ive lived in some shady areas myself, i am mainly concerned about the my girlfriends relative safety as she will be coming with me. the difference between schools is not large and if the difference in livable area (area where one can feel reasonably safe is) then i have to choose the other school.

other posts on the site seemed to have a negative opinion about the city itself, except from those only visiting compounding my concern/confirming what friends had said. do you live in the downtown yourself?

[newmarlig]

Originally Posted by mbah

well some of the comments were from friends who had gone to school in philly (albeit at 'nova outside the center) others who grew up in jeresy close by. they mainly pointed out that they felt even in the nicer areas (center city, rittenhouse, old city) crime was not under control-- in comparsion to other major cities that is. ive lived in some shady areas myself, i am mainly concerned about the my girlfriends relative safety as she will be coming with me. the difference between schools is not large and if the difference in livable area (area where one can feel reasonably safe is) then i have to choose the other school.

other posts on the site seemed to have a negative opinion about the city itself, except from those only visiting compounding my concern/confirming what friends had said. do you live in the downtown yourself?

Yes, I do in the Rittenhouse Square area. (although we refer to it as center city. Downtown is South Philly).

[Khmer]

Will you have a car? Parking in the city can pose some challenges. I worked at Penn many years. I think Upper Darby & Millbourne (on the western edge) offer great access to the city. However I have friends who moved into the city from surrounding areas specifically for the night life and cultural events.

[mbah]

i will not have a car, how is the public transport? by the way, are there any good housing resources out there besides craigslist-- im looking to live in the city... excuse my earlier misuse of the 'downtown'.

[zehua]

Any safety tips??????

[newmarlig]

Originally Posted by mbah

i will not have a car, how is the public transport? by the way, are there any good housing resources out there besides craigslist-- im looking to live in the city... excuse my earlier misuse of the 'downtown'.

Public transportation in center city is excellent. You definitely will not need a car. It is also very walkable. If you ever find you need a car for a day, you can look into PhillyCarShare Home.

You can check philadelphia weekly online - philadelphia's source for dining, real estate, art, music and alternative news for housing. It comes out Wed. The best thing is to check it early Wed., and if you see something call immediately to see it and have your deposit money.